Hard fought local derby

In a close fought encounter The Villagers defended well to take all three points.

Action photo with thanks to Hannah Parnell (Parnell Photo): for more pictures visit parnellphoto.co.uk

Early on Hadleigh had a good chance to go ahead Ethan Clarke shot wide when well placed.

After Jacob Brown had a shot deflected wide for Melford, the Villagers took the lead on 17 minutes the strong running BEN HUMPHREYS surged forward and spotted keeper Finley Watts off his line, and sublimely chipped the keeper from twenty yards. A goal of great class.

On 24 minutes from a corner a Jake Eady header looked goal bound but Melford keeper David Leader, leapt to push the ball over the bar.

On 29 minutes Melford increased their tally, Brown released HASSAN ALLY down the left flank, and the winger cut in to fire home.

The second half belonged to Hadleigh with Melford defending resolutely. Two Hadleigh efforts were cleared off the line, with Melford defending in depth.

On 86 minutes Hadleigh were awarded a penalty when Kyron Andrews found the grass in the Melford penalty area. The kick was converted by JOEL GLOVER.

In a hectic final few minutes, Melford defended like tigers and were pleased to hear the final whistle.   CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: David Leader, Dan Smith, Sam Newton (80), Jake Jackson, Deklyn Roy, Josh Collins, Hassan Ally (45), Harry Whiting-Noakes, Ben Humphreys (59), Jacob Brown (capt), Frederico Dende (80)

Subs: Kalum Benham (80), Perry Newman (45), Jordan Gibbs (80), Jack Brame (59)  not used: Charlie Holmes

Attendance: 102